DepEd underscores evidence-based reforms at National Basic Education School Research Congress

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TUGUEGARAO CITY, 27 February 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed its commitment to data-driven and evidence-based reforms during the National Basic Education School Research Congress held on February 27–28, 2026, at the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT).

In his message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the central role of research in shaping responsive and sustainable education reforms.

“Ang isang DepEd na nakikinig sa datos ay may kakayahang tukuyin nang malinaw ang mga hamon, unawain ang mga ugat nito, at kumilos tungo sa pangmatagalan at epektibong mga solusyon,” Secretary Angara said in his message delivered by DepEd Region II Director Benjamin Paragas.

The Secretary underscored that basic education reforms are guided by research and evidence, and anchored on the Department’s 5-Point Reform Agenda in line with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“We are accelerating our classroom construction program, with the help of our LGUs and private partners. We are prioritizing and investing in our school-based feeding and early childhood care and development programs. We are revitalizing our curriculum to meet the demands of tomorrow and prepare our students for the future of work. We are making sure that our schools have enough learning resources and that our teachers are provided with the best support they can have,” Angara said.

“Because, as we understand in research, we can have good results—but only if we act on what evidence consistently tells us.”

The Congress, organized by the Center for Basic Education Research of USLT, gathered educators, researchers, and students from across the country to present studies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DepEd recognized the importance of research platforms in advancing innovation and improving program implementation in basic education.

The Department also noted how collaboration has helped bridge gaps, share resources, and champion best practices for the benefit of learners and teachers.

In closing, Secretary Angara encouraged learners and educators to continue strengthening a research-oriented mindset across schools nationwide.

“Patuloy ninyong hamunin ang nakasanayan, magsilbing ilaw sa inyong mga mag-aaral, at sama-sama nating itaas ang antas ng kalidad at kahusayan sa bawat silid-aralan sa buong kapuluan.”

High Levels of Mercury Found in Two More Pakistan-Made Beauty Creams

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EcoWaste Coalition urges the Government of Pakistan to crack down harder on violators of the global ban on the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-added cosmetics)

1 March 2026, Quezon City. Ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8 and the World Consumer Rights Day on the 15th, the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition announced its discovery of two more “made in Pakistan” cosmetics with extremely high levels of mercury sold online despite the global ban on the production and trade of cosmetics with mercury, a potent neurotoxin that causes severe damage to the brain, kidneys, lungs, skin, and immune system.


“We urge online shoppers not to add to cart and buy Yaz skin-lightening and skin-renewing facial creams that we have verified to contain horrendous levels of mercury measured at 33,970 and 29, 870 parts per million (ppm), respectively,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “These imported products, marketed to women to enhance youthful radiance, are a serious threat not only to the health of women but also to their households.”


“Our latest discoveries mark the over 25 Pakistan-made cosmetics our team has verified as mercury-tainted through X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and subsequently publicized and reported to the authorities,” she said.

The continued production and trade of mercury-laced cosmetics in the said South Asian country prompted the EcoWaste Coalition to press the Government of Pakistan to come down hard on violators and prosecute the culprits to the fullest extent of the law.

“We acknowledge and support the Pakistan government’s ongoing drive to weed out the market of mercury-added cosmetics and urge it to apply the country’s Competition Act to penalize violators and deter would-be offenders,” stated Lucero. Pakistan’s competition law prohibits false or deceptive marketing, which can lead to penalties of up to 75 million rupees (over PH15 million) or 10 percent of annual turnover.

The EcoWaste Coalition obtained the Yaz Beauty Cream Double White + Vitamin C and Yaz Gold Beauty Cream Active White + 24K Gold Dust from an online seller for P160 each (the seller also offers a wide variety of other local and imported cosmetics).

The former claims it “removes acne, wrinkles, freckles and other signs of ageing” and promises it can make users look "pretty and young.” The latter is supposed to “lighten, brighten and moisturize (the) skin,” while “it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and also helps eliminate skin flakiness and remove dark spots to provide a smooth and even complexion.” Both products are marketed as “3-day solution.” Yaz Beauty Cream, in particular, claims “difference in color from dark brown to pinkish white” in three days.

Like other cosmetics found to be contaminated with mercury, the labels of both products did not specify mercury or other related terms in the listed ingredients, nor did they provide any mercury content warning.

Aside from Yaz Beauty Cream and Yaz Gold Beauty Cream, the EcoWaste Coalition has reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the following Pakistan-made cosmetics with mercury content: Aima Gold Beauty Cream, AQME Beauty Cream, Aneeza Gold Beauty Cream, Aneeza Saffron Whitening Cream, Armena Gold Beauty Cream, Biocos Beauty Cream, Chandni Whitening Cream, Due Beauty Cream, Faiza Beauty Cream, and Golden Pearl Beauty Cream (old and new packaging).

Also reported were Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene (solo and 3-in-one kit), Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream, Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream (solo and 3-in-one kit), Jhalak Beauty Cream, Morning Face Beauty Cream, Parley Beauty Cream, Parley Goldie Advanced Beauty Cream, Parley Herbal Whitening Cream, Pure Pearl Beauty Cream, Safora Beauty Cream, Sandal Beauty Cream, Zartaaj Beauty Cream, Zoya Gold Beauty Cream, and Tibet Snow Cream.

“Many of these tainted products have been flagged by the FDA and are not easy to obtain, but some are advertised and sold with impunity, particularly the three variants of Goree, and Due, Faiza, Golden Pearl, Parley Goldie, Sandal beauty creams,” Lucero said.

“With the steadfast commitment of the Pakistani and Philippine governments, we remain optimistic that the campaign against the unlawful production and trade of cosmetics with mercury additives will reach a successful outcome,” she added. “Moreover, a government-led advocacy to fight colorism and promote acceptance and respect for the skin color we are born with will be needed to discourage people from using chemical whiteners containing mercury and other hazardous substances.”

Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition and IBP Nueva Ecija Sign Landmark Agreement to Strengthen Youth Engagement and Access to Justice

 

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CABANATUAN CITY, NUEVA ECIJA — The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC Philippines), a national youth-led non-governmental organization, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Nueva Ecija Chapter (IBP-NE), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to strengthen youth access to justice and pursue joint representation at the United Nations.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines is the official organization of all lawyers in the country, mandated to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, promote continuing professional development, and advance public service through legal aid and community engagement. Its Nueva Ecija Chapter plays an active role in delivering legal assistance and supporting initiatives that improve access to justice at the local level.

SKC holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a recognition that enables the organization to participate in UN deliberations, submit formal written statements, and engage directly with international policymakers. It is also a member of the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding and the Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, reflecting its engagement in peacebuilding, statebuilding, and regional climate advocacy. Through these platforms, SKC amplifies youth voices and advances civic engagement, capacity building, policy advocacy, and humanitarian initiatives, which are expected to serve as key areas of collaboration with IBP Nueva Ecija. SKC chapters across the country remain open to project partnerships with local organizations to further expand the reach and impact of youth-led initiatives.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ellirie Aviles, Founder and Board Chair of SKC Philippines, together with Devin Carl Padilla Sagun, MPA, SKC Regional Ambassador for Central Luzon. Representing IBP-NE were Atty. Maria Carmela Wenceslao, Chapter President, Atty. Jo Anne Padilla, Legal Aid Chairperson, and Atty. Jubail Esteban.

“We aim to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with their communities and the legal sector,” Aviles said. “Through joint initiatives, including representation at the United Nations, we can bring Filipino youth voices to global discussions on justice, governance, and sustainable development.”

The two-year agreement establishes a framework for coordinated community outreach, strengthened youth engagement in access-to-justice efforts, and professional development opportunities for members of the legal sector. By combining SKC’s national youth network with IBP’s institutional mandate and legal expertise, the partnership seeks to reduce barriers that prevent young people from understanding their rights and accessing available legal remedies.

“Through this collaboration, we hope to bring legal aid closer to young people across Central Luzon and beyond,” Padilla said. “Providing youth with clear pathways to seek assistance and understand their rights is essential to building informed and resilient communities.”

“Working directly with youth communities allows lawyers to strengthen their skills in preventive education, community engagement, and responsive service delivery,” Wenceslao added. “This collaboration creates a two-way learning process where both lawyers and young people benefit from shared knowledge and experience.”

As part of the partnership, SKC and IBP-NE will undertake joint representation at the United Nations, bringing both youth and legal perspectives to international platforms. Initial activities are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026 under the oversight of a Joint Committee composed of representatives from both organizations. The signing represents the first step in what both institutions envision as a long-term collaboration to promote informed civic participation and reinforce youth access to justice across Central Luzon and throughout SKC’s national network.